iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 mini
Starting at
£161.35£579.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro?
iPhone 12 mini vs Pro comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini starts at £161.35, £113.16 less than the iPhone 12 Pro.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro were both released in 2020 and share the same Apple A14 Bionic chipset with iOS support. The 12 Pro offers more RAM and larger storage options, making it suitable if you want to keep more apps open or need more capacity. The 12 Pro also has a bigger screen with higher resolution, which is better for watching videos or reading. The 12 mini is lighter and smaller, fitting easily in a pocket or handbag, and has a smaller battery capacity, which suits those who prioritise compact size and portability. Both have similar cameras and front camera quality, unlocked network compatibility, and use the Lightning connector.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design elements that affect everyday use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a larger 2815 mAh battery compared to the 2227 mAh battery in the iPhone 12 mini. This means the 12 Pro may last longer between charges, which suits users who need extended daily battery life. The 12 mini's smaller battery is balanced by its smaller size and lighter weight, fitting those who prefer a compact phone.
Operating System Support
This ensures you get current software features and security patches on either device, regardless of which you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones share the same processor, but differ in RAM and available storage sizes.
RAM Size
The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6 GB of RAM, which allows it to keep more apps open in the background and handle multitasking more smoothly. The iPhone 12 mini has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and running most apps without issue.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 mini is stocked with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage, offering a range for standard and higher everyday needs. The iPhone 12 Pro offers larger storage starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB, which suits users who store lots of apps, photos, or videos.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro screen
Screen quality is important for viewing content and interacting with apps. Both devices use the same Super Retina XDR OLED technology but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen, providing a larger display area that is more comfortable for watching videos, reading, or gaming. The iPhone 12 mini's 5.4 inch screen suits those who want a smaller phone that is easier to hold and fits well in one hand.
Screen Resolution
The resolution on the iPhone 12 Pro is 1170 x 2532, which is higher than the 1080 x 2340 resolution on the iPhone 12 mini. This means the 12 Pro can show slightly sharper and more detailed images, which benefits users who focus on media quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro camera
Audio and camera features are similar across both devices, making them both good for video calls and photography.
Camera Quality
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro have 12 megapixels on their main and front cameras. This provides a consistent level of detail and photo quality across both models, suitable for everyday photography and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro size and design
Other differences include size, weight, network compatibility, and physical features that affect daily handling and connectivity.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 mini is compact at 131.5 mm tall, 64.2 mm wide, and weighs 135 g, making it very portable and easy to use one-handed. The iPhone 12 Pro is larger at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 187 g, offering a bigger screen but less pocket-friendly size.
Carrier and Network Compatibility
Both devices come unlocked and support 5G mobile networks. This means you can use either phone on any compatible network and benefit from faster data speeds.
Connector and SIM Options
Both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro use the Lightning connector and have a physical SIM plus eSIM. This provides flexible options for mobile connectivity and charging.
Device Thickness
Both phones measure 7.4 mm in depth, providing a similar feel in hand despite their size differences.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 mini if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £161.35, £113.16 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a lighter build (135 g vs 189 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 2227 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 mini appreciate its compact size and feel it fits nicely in a handbag or pocket. Many say the phone looks like new or has only minor marks that are hardly noticeable, especially with a case. Battery health is often reported at 100%, and the phone runs well for everyday tasks. Some users mention the phone is great for those upgrading from iPhones with older software or as a backup device. A few reviews note issues such as overheating or faults, but these are less common.
For the iPhone 12 Pro, customers highlight its good condition and smooth performance, with many stating the phone looks and works like new. The larger screen and storage options satisfy those needing more space or multitasking ability. Battery health is generally solid, and users find the phone reliable for daily use and app updates. Some mention upgrading from older iPhones and being pleased with the purchase.
Overall, the iPhone 12 mini suits those who prioritise portability and a smaller device, while the iPhone 12 Pro is better for users who want a larger screen, more memory, and higher storage capacity.
iPhone 12 mini vs iPhone 12 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 mini vs Pro comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB. The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
The iPhone 12 mini is cheaper refurbished, from £161.35 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 2227 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 mini is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 mini comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
